Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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354. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of houses retrofitted under the midlands energy efficiency retrofitting programme in 2020; the location of each in each county; the number to be retrofitted in each location in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1218/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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In 2020 funding of €20 million was made available as part of the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan for an energy efficiency retrofitting programme to fund upgrades to local authority houses in the midlands, under the 'Just Transition' programme. This Midland Retrofit Programme was established as a pilot programme to provide economic stimulus to the counties most affected by the cessation of peat harvesting for electricity generation, and it centres on upgrading larger batches of homes in distinct, compact geographical areas.

Significant preparatory work has been completed to date, including a framework for the retrofit works and the identification by the local authorities of their selected areas of housing to be retrofitted. Covid-19 has had a negative impact on the work of the local authorities on this programme. As a result no dwellings were retrofitted in 2020, however 488 houses were at tender stage.

The Midlands Retrofit Programme has been targeted with the completion of 750 properties. The table attached sets out the full list of properties, by location, being surveyed by local authorities for potential inclusion under the programme.